This was not always the case, as the most experienced and qualified men in the company were not always the ones with the highest rank. team leader), and two enlisted personnel (scouts). This was a training prelude to the daring March Ranger para-drop over frozen Beaufort Sea, the first Military parachute operation on the polar ice cap. During the month of December 1966, Christopher erected the LRRP camp, which included his team tent, a command shed and the supply tent. Guy 19 Jul 69- 20 May 70 Poor weather conditions again hampered team deployment. When the Khmer Rouge (Red Cambodians) were finished with the revolution, no one in Cambodia was left alive but communists, survivors, and orphans. (Photo at Left: Black Jack 7, 4th Aviation Bn., 4th Inf. Company L (Ranger) continued to saturate the lower Ashau Valley and Sung Bo Rao Trang Valley with reconnaissance teams all through the early monsoon period. CPT McWilliams was informed that all LRP soldiers and units were now a part of the 75th Ranger Infantry (Combined Arms Regimental System) and the company would be realigned per DA Message No. Many top notch soldiers went home as E-3s because they chose to remain with the detachment. sfoda184@hotmail.com. Third, each Cav Brigade had their own LRRPs under their control. During the Vietnam War, Bart Stamper served as an Army LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol) with the November Company Rangers, 75th Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade in the Tiger Mountains near Bong Son, Vietnam. 2. d. Battalion, 75. th. The teams were out with a US Ranger team leader and were quite educational to all concerned. Bomb Damage Assessment (BDA) missions were common for the Rangers in PAPA Company. In December 1968, CPT James McWilliams took command of the company and 1SG Howard Slaughter took over the First Sergeant duties from 1SG Whitcomb as he departed. The operations were turned over to Company D (Ranger), 75th Infantry, just as smoothly as they had been turned over from Company F, 51st Infantry (LRP) on 26 December 1968. September 1965 saw a training program initiated and the first team was tactically employed in October, 1965. Operating in the Nhi Binh area, from late February to the middle of May, the Rangers conducted numerous operations gathering valuable intelligence data an enemy activity in the area as wen as accounting for five (5) VC KIA. The 199th Infantry Brigade deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in December 1966. Ranger Team Mosbey, led by Sgt Murphy (Duce), made contact with two to three NVA while on a point reconnaissance. LTC Andre Lucas, who served as Senior Advisor, 33d Ranger Battalion in 1963, later received the Medal of Honor posthumously while commanding an infantry battalion in the 101st Airborne Division in 1970. Thus the blueprint for future American military operations was taken from the realm of theory and set into practical application. The Company was placed under the control of G3, II FIELD FORCE and were OPCON to specific Brigades and Divisions operating in III Corps Tactical Zone. All were older than the typical Vietnam personnel. And far from attempting to conceal their atrocities, the guerrillas have performed them in the most ostentatious fashion possible.. ARVN combat divisions as well as Regional and Popular Force (RF/PF) units had a territorial security orientation that tied them to a limited geographic area. During April 1966, Maj. Gen. William E. DePuy formed a provisional division Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) contingent (The Wildcat Lerps) that was attached to D (Air) Troop, 1-4 Cavalry but which specialized in ground searches that stretched over several days inside hostile territory. Teams were constantly looking for the Viet Cong (VC) guerrillas and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) troops. Good weather follows bad, however, and with the good weather came a change in the companys operations. Most of the personnel were the cadre of Fort Campbells RECONDO school who had flown by C141 to Bien Hoa only within the preceding two months, and members of the First Brigades Reconnaissance Platoon. While in Vietnam, E Company earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer embroidered Vietnam 18 June 68 20 January 69. L Co. Airborne Ranger 75 INF.Vietnam War re-enactment group. 1LT David Grange Near the DMZ in Quang Tri Province, Rangers, together with ARVN, Marine and Regional Forces units, stopped the enemy after a 22-day fight in which 131 NVA tanks were destroyed and approximately 7,000 NVA soldiers were killed. War in Vietnam continued to escalate and so did the resistance at home. Vancouver's Rob McSorley is one of at least 134 Canadians killed in action fighting for U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. The 3rd Inf. The 1st Brigade received needed enemy intelligence from this operation and reacted with larger units. September also accounted for Company 0 (RANGER)s fifth and final friendly KIA. 893755. A remarkable amount of useful patrol knowledge was passed on in these classes always bearing the indelible stamp of the original Nha Trang training by the Special Forces. Born on December 29, 1947, in Long Island, New York, Grange . Ranger Company E took advantage of dry season conditions to harass suspected Viet Cong supply lines from activation until the end of April. The team employed air strikes and ARA on enemy positions and routes of escape, while they continued to use their organic small arms fire power. The Saigon River was one of the major waterways that served as a means of transportation for the inhabitants of the Saigon area and the many hamlets and villages along the rivers course. SSGT Solko set a company record when his patrol spent a total of 10 days in the field before the weather cleared sufficiently for the team to be extracted. L Co along with Delta Troop 2/17 Cavalry, made a raid along Rt 548, a wire cut on an NVA communications line, and left a platoon size element, led by LT. (Gray Hog) Sawtelle, for an ambush. First, I want to thank those who put together the original text and pictorial history of F/51 (LRP). The rangers killed eighty-eight enemy soldiers by direct fire and captured three, while suffering two killed and twenty-four wounded rangers in exchange. For the next 32 years until 2001 Rangers were known by their distinctive Black Beret. During the Vietnam War K Company (RANGER), 75TH Infantry (Airborne) was on the active roles of the United States Army from 1 February 1969 to 10 December1970. In WW I, the 4th Infantry (Ivy) Division saw proud service in Europe during the campaigns of Aisne Marine, St. Mihiel, and the Meuse-Argonne. The Department of the Army officially authorized the formation of the 74th Infantry Detachment (LRP) on 20 December 1967 and all personnel of the LRRP platoon were absorbed in to the 74th Infantry Detachment (LRP). and administration. However the Rangers gained confidence as its incessant raiding began to unbalance NVA and VC attempts to safeguard previously uncontested supply lines and caches. Operations against the enemy were begun immediately with division reconnaissance principally mounted from bases in the Binh Duong Province at Di An, Phu Loi, Lai Khe, and Phuoc Vinh (Phuoc Long Providence). The 42nd and 44th Battalions were awarded their countrys National Order Fourragere, the 43rd Battalion the Military Order Fourragere, and the 21st, 37th, 41st and 52nd Battalions the Gallantry Cross Fourragere. C Company 1/501st Inf reinforced the Rangers during the contact. Operating deep in enemy territory, Ranger patrols engaged enemy units while conducting raids, ambushes and surveillance missions. Torrential rains and year-round water exposed patrollers to high rates of disabling skin disease. 20th Infantry 1861 This description by a pilot who flew for Special Forces in their long range mission profile is informative: For insertions we normally flew a light fire team comprised of two gun ships. The men of this unit accomplished what others only dream of and walked where others have not dared. They were again deactivated along with VII Corps in Germany in 1991. The Rangers broke contact with one US WIA and the team had an emergency extraction by ladder. As the emphasis on combat missions increased, the reconnaissance mission was not abandoned by any means. The 37th Battalion three times, the 39th and 42d twice, and the 1st Ranger Task Force, 21st, 44th and 52nd Battalions each received the PUC once. F Company Rangers earned a valorous unit award during 1 to 22 February 1969 upholding the highest elite unit standards. Fifteen separate Ranger companies were formed from this reorganization. On 12 November 1969, Ranger teams were extracted for the last time. This report propelled the Redcatchers of the 199th into maelstrom of continuous fighting and emergency reaction tasks throughout the eastern Saigon defensive zone. Sp4 Geoffrey Koper was the medic and Sp4 Arthur Guerrero was the scout. After four or five days, the choppers would return to pick us up. Although limited in size and scope, the early RECONDO teams proved their worth. It also saved lives of many U.S. servicemen through their intelligence gathering. No one could believe it when just three weeks after returning from Panama the unit was called to active duty. The 74th Infantry Detachment (LRP) was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions during the Dak To battles in November 1967, however this was in error as the 74th Infantry Detachment (LRP) did not exist at the time. Physical training became intense and difficult. The team killed one NVA (probable), broke contact, and were extracted. They were assigned a large sector of responsibility along the Demilitarized Zone, from the Gulf of Tonkin on the east, to the Laotian border on the west The RED DEVIL BRIGADE conducted cordon and search missions sound villages, performed search and clear expeditions on the Khe Sahn Plains, and secured roadways throughout its assigned area of operation. The year barely got under way when on the morning of 1 January 1970, heavy Ranger team Shelby, under the leadership of SGT Mad Dog Marchisio, found themselves surrounded by NVA/VC. The former location caused additional problems in communications and control. The Rangers of Company N (Ranger), 75th Infantry performed with exceptional courage and valor throughout their existence and service in Vietnam, two years and 6 months. C4, AR 601210 Enlistment Options, RATIONALE FOR THE SELECTION OF THE 75th INFANTRY MERRILLS MARAUDERS, AS THE PARENT UNIT FOR ALL DA AUTHORIZED LAP/RANGER UNITS. It was fairly common for the more senior NCOs to serve as Ranger advisors between tours at one of the Ranger Training Camps. In summation, Co L (Ranger) 75th Infantry continued to be the eyes and ears of the Division, reporting enemy activities throughout the Division Area of Operations. During March 1969, Lt. Gen. Charles A. Corcoran assumed command of First Field Force and an enhancement of ranger capability was begun. By mid January 1969 members were going on patrol with members of F Co for long range patrol orientation. The insertion ship received severe ground fire after inserting the team. Company N, (Ranger), 75th Infantry received numerous experimental systems to maximize performance. Constant personnel turnover plagued K/75th Rangers as much as it had E/58th (LRP) and all the other units in Viet Nambut the Ranger mission was so specialized and multi-tasked (communications skills, proficiency at map reading, proficiency at directing air strikes, proficiency at using artilleryand so on) that when a teammate or team leader rotated out of the unit, the loss was acutely felt. During the month of February the Company deployed a total of 17 Ranger Teams. By 10 August 71, 2nd Platoon completed 47 missions against enemy forces and was credited with the destruction of the Headquarters of the 675th NVA Rocket Battalion Base Camp. Company L (Ranger) deployed 23 teams during the month of August. The units second commanding officer was 1LT Wilbur G. Bowersox. On 20 December 1967, the 71st Infantry Detachment (Long Range Patrol) was activated by sixty one troops chosen by General Forbes from the ranks of Company F, 51st Infantry (II Field Force Long Range Patrol) Within a month the unit was fully operational and acquainted with its Long Binh sector. LRP stood for Long Range Patrol which more closely represented the missions. On 11/22/67 F/51 LRP sent its first team out and compiled an impressive combat record until its deactivation in 2/1/69. Circles Indicate Locations of US Army Special Forces Camps. After exhausting interviews with all volunteers, only 13 were accepted for training and service. The team initiated contact killing one NVA/VC, and fought its way to the LZ where it engaged and killed another NVA/VC. This section would still be employed under the same tactical concept as the present team. On 13 June Ranger Team Ohio, led by 1LT Currahee Grange, made a raid northeast of FSB Shock for the 1st Bde. The small arms continued until C Troop 2/17 Cav was inserted. Loss of company personnel due to enemy action was 5 killed and 14 wounded. Companies A and B were kept stateside as a strategic reserve in case they were needed overseas in Europe or the Americas. It was also during this period that the units name was changed to the Marne Scouts Recon Patrol (MSRP). No one really cared for this name, but the unit bore it proudly knowing all the while they were still Lurps! Div. They moved into an area adjacent to the company area and a one week training program was immediately initiated. Fellow soldiers did not mess with Rangers who were easily distinguishable by their black beret and red and dark blue 75th Airborne Ranger Infantry Company scroll which rested above the Big Red One patch. disbanded in 1943, the Comintern was replaced by the Cominform (Communist Information Bureau,1947 to 1954), in which only the Russian Soviet, the ruling East European communist parties (Yugoslavia was expelled in 1948), and the French and the Italian communist parties were represented. Their activities were of a covert nature which comprised of sixteen daily flights between Alaska and Europe. In the next two and a half weeks a total of six teams consisting of two ARVNs and four Americans were sent out, with the American Team Leaders in charge. $10.00 shipping. The rangers were known as Charlie Rangers in conformity with C in the ICAO phonetic alphabet. N Company was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. For the next two months the company was deeply committed to providing security for the Divisions rapidly developing base camp. In early November 1969, the remaining National Guard members were moved from the base camp at Long Binh to Bien Hoa in preparation for the units return to Indiana. The 4th Infantry Division redeployed to CONUS on Dec. 12, 1970, to Fort Carson, Colo. As a result of their common experiences, lasting bonds of mutual respect were formed between the combat veterans of both nations. In July, the emphasis on company size operations was decreased and the six man team again became the standard element of employment. On 5 August 1965 the TDY status was changed to Permanent Change of Station (PCS). They engaged the enemy but were pinned down and suffered heavy losses. In March 67, Lt. Hall began gathering a Montagnard Tribe, (Rhades) which he set up west of Ankhe in their own camp. Twelve operational teams of six men each composed entirely of enlisted personnel. Shortly thereafter the team was extracted with their intelligence items. In other words, the men were motivated to get the job done with the highest degree of efficiency because they wanted to, not because they were coerced or forced. The variety of these Infantry units served to enrich the heritage, history and battle honors of the particular regiments they served. Skau SFC. Their mission was to confirm sniffer readings in the area. On 4 May 1970 the company was opconned to the 4th Infantry Division. Again in World War II, the Big Red One was the first to reach Britain and land in North Africa, Sicily, and France. Before long, K Company would adopt the 4 man team as standard. General Williamson tasked the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 503rd Infantry to ask for Volunteers to form the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) detachment. The team broke contact at 1700 hours after having received 2 US WIA and was heading for the LZ when it again made contact resulting in 1 US KIA, 1 US WIA and 2 NVA/VC KIA. The teams communications lifeline and link was often a single PRC-25 tactical radio. The duration of the mission was 7 days and 7 nights, as would be all missions following the first mission. They didnt seem to trust our reporting from a reconnaissance report. The traditions and dedication to their fellow RANGERS continues!! A twelve man team had sprung an ambush on ten VC/NVA and killed nine of them, one having escaped. The pilots and crews were from the 160th Aviation Group, the Black Widows and the Kingsmen and they were truly both proficient and professional. it was believed that they intended to hit the Bob Hope Show. The unit guideon, citations, and memorial plaques were sent to the 75th Infantrys headquarter at the Ranger Training Command, Ft. Benning, Georgia, to be placed in a museum. In the Ripcord area, Team Phoenix, led by SSG (Fido) Vodden, engaged an enemy rifle squad carrying a Soviet 7.62 MG. Training was given to the LRRPs by the 1st Royal Australian Regiment, who were familiar with jungle operations and were veterans of combat operations in Malaysia. Rationale for the Selection of the 75th Infantry L Co, 75th Infantry Regiment - Rangers, Vietnam Classic Round Sticker. While attempting to break contact, one team member, PFC Lytle, drowned while crossing a river. As the point man began to move toward the LZ he was hit in four places with enemy automatic weapons fire. In approving the re-designation of the LRRP units to Ranger units and the activation of the 75th Infantry, the Chief of Staff, U.S. Army stipulated the following: a. These and many other types of operations were performed with honor and excellence by the men and brought great credit to this unique breed of soldier, to K Company, and to the United Stated Army. 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